Jets sign Hutchinson, lose Jokinen

Goalie Michael Hutchinson started three games for the Winnipeg Jets last season, going 2-1.

The Winnipeg Jets didn’t have to look too far to find a replacement for goaltender Al Montoya.

One day after Montoya signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Florida Panthers, the team announced they have agreed to terms with goaltender Michael Hutchinson on a two-year contract worth $1.15 million. He’ll be asked to push incumbent No. 1 starter Ondrej Pavelec next season.

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Hutchinson’s story last season was especially compelling. After being cut adrift by the Boston Bruins, he signed with the Jets thinking there was opportunity for him within the organization. He played for the team’s ECHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, starred with the St. John’s IceCaps in helping lead them to the Calder Cup final and, in between, started three games for the Jets, going 2-1 with a 1.64 goals against average and .943 save percentage.

The Jets also have agreed to terms with defenceman Will O’Neill on a one-year, two-way contract worth $575,000.

O’Neill, a 26-year-old Salem, Mass., product originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the seventh round, 210th overall, in the 2006 NHL Draft, played in 68 games with the IceCaps last season registering 36 points (9G, 27A). He was particularly effective in the playoffs, adding 16 points (3G, 13A) in 18 post-season games.

Meanwhile, centre Olli Jokinen is now a former Jet, having signed a one-year deal with the Nashville Predators worth $2.5 million.

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